Amla:The Benefits and How To Use

Amla: History, How to Use & Benefits

By laveena   

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Ayurvedic herb Indian Gooseberry, which is native to India and most commonly known as Amla, is a wonder fruit that is the size of a Lemon offering 20 times more vitamin C than Orange.
Despite being sour in taste, Amla provides numerous health benefits through its various forms including raw, juice and powder.

Benefits:

• Amla is known to be beneficial for health owing to its properties of boosting the immune system.  It offers anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, refrigerant, astringent, hemostatic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, and laxative properties.

• It is known to reduce heartburn, cure indigestion, hyperacidity, while stimulating appetite.

• Amla is known to strengthen the teeth and gums, while offering relief from bad breath.

• It claims to fight against cancer and other harmful diseases, along with controlling diabetes, cholesterol levels and increasing hemoglobin.

• Indian Gooseberry is known relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis along with helping in the treatment of minor hemorrhages.

• It is said to play a major role in losing weight, curing diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, and piles and also eliminating intestinal worms.

For the Skin:

• Amla is claimed to be one of the best exfoliating, antioxidant and antibacterial astringent scrub for the skin.

• It cleanses and tones the skin and clears pimples and acne.

• It helps in clearing the tan while tightening and toning the skin.

• It also helps in balancing the skin redness along with removing the dead skin cells.

• It reduces the skin itching and promotes skin glow.

For the Hair:

• Amla is said to show down the hair loss and graying, while increasing the thickness.

• When used in a hair pack, Amla leaves the hair soft, silky and shiny.

• It works to improve the nature and follicles of the hair while promoting hair growth.

• It reduces dandruff and prevents it from reoccurring.

• Strengthens the hair from the roots and promotes hair pigmentation.

How to Use:

Amla, Yogurt and Honey Facial Treatment- Suitable to all skin types

Mix two teaspoons of amla powder in some hot water and stir it up for a smooth consistency. The add one teaspoon of honey (mauka would do wonders) and blend it in the warm mixture. Then add a teaspoon of unflavored yogurt and mix it thoroughly.
Apply on the skin for 15-20 minutes and wash it with water to achieve a soft and clean skin.

Amla Pack for Hair

Mix 4 teaspoons of amla powder 4 teaspoons of conditioner with some olive oil in a deep bowl to make it into a stiff paste and set it aside for 15 minutes.
Fill this paste into a pastry like bag and squeeze it in the combed hair sections until the whole head is covered. Massage the scalp and cover the head.
After 15-20 minutes you can wash it off with a regular shampoo and clean running water. If you require deep conditioning, you could leave the pack for up to an hour and then rinse.
Amla also is known to improve muscle tone, condition urinary system, balance stomach acids and decrease the levels of free radicals. It also helps strengthen the liver and immune system, while providing body required proteins, minerals, calcium, fiber and carbohydrates.
Source: Livestrong